Notre Dame’s 2027 recruiting class took a hit on Friday as linebacker Ellis McGaskin announced his decommitment from the Fighting Irish, trimming the group down to seven verbal pledges.
McGaskin, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound prospect out of Williamson High School in Alabama, had been committed to Notre Dame since June 30, 2025. That commitment came on the heels of his visit for the program’s Irish Invasion camp-a trip that clearly left a strong impression at the time.
The Irish had extended McGaskin an offer during their annual Pot of Gold Day, a key recruiting initiative targeting underclassmen. For McGaskin, who hails from the deep South, the opportunity to play for Notre Dame came as a surprise-and a source of pride.
“I was called by Max Bullough and I was elated,” McGaskin said. “I never expected to reach their radar.
You normally don't hear about players from the South going up North because we aren't usually recruited to the North. So, I'm grateful my work ethic has been that noticeable."
Bullough, Notre Dame’s former linebackers coach, played a central role in McGaskin’s recruitment. His coaching background-shaped under the likes of Nick Saban and Marcus Freeman-carried significant weight with the young linebacker.
“His coaching resume after playing is impressive,” McGaskin said.
But things changed in December when Bullough left South Bend to take on a Co-Defensive Coordinator role at Michigan State, his alma mater. That move created uncertainty in McGaskin’s recruitment, and while he remained publicly committed, he didn’t shut the door on other opportunities.
Throughout the fall, McGaskin made unofficial visits to Mississippi State (September 27) and LSU (October 25), signaling that he was still weighing his options. According to sources, Notre Dame’s coaching staff had made it clear they expected committed players to hold off on taking additional visits-a standard that McGaskin ultimately didn’t adhere to.
Now, with his decommitment official, McGaskin is set to visit Florida this weekend, continuing his tour of SEC programs. And that’s not surprising.
The pull of the Southeastern Conference has always loomed large for prospects like McGaskin, especially those from Alabama. The SEC’s proximity, style of play, and recruiting intensity make it a tough league to compete with, even for a brand as strong as Notre Dame.
In the end, McGaskin’s decision came down to fit and geography. While Notre Dame offered a unique opportunity to be a foundational piece in its 2027 defensive class, the gravitational pull of the SEC proved stronger.